Finding a business that combines profit with purpose is the ultimate goal for many franchise seekers, but it’s not always easy to find. For those who are passionate about health and fitness, Project LeanNation offers both — a chance to help people live healthier lives and the opportunity to run an in-demand, community-focused business. Plus, its flexible business model allows for different ownership styles, whether franchisees want to be hands-on in the shop every day or manage from a distance with the right people in place.
Here’s how it works: customers stop by local shops to pick up freshly prepared, portion-controlled meals. They can grab food on the spot or follow a personalized plan with guidance from in-store educators who provide support and accountability. Locations are designed to be welcoming spaces where members connect, feel encouraged and build lasting healthy habits.
The timing couldn’t be better. The prepared meals market is projected to grow from $190 billion in 2025 to more than $291 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. Project LeanNation stands out in this fast-growing space by combining rotating menus with education and accountability. This model not only attracts repeat customers but also generates steady, recurring revenue for franchisees.
Franchisees come from a variety of backgrounds but share the same goal of profit and purpose. In Syracuse, N.Y., Registered Nurse Raisa Zhovklaya runs her store as a hands-on owner-operator, greeting customers and managing the shop every day. In Fort Mill, S.C., Chris and Alex Ramsey take a different approach. Living three hours away, they rely on a trusted general manager to lead daily operations while they focus on strategy and systems. Together, their experiences show how Project LeanNation supports both active owner-operators and semi-passive owners — giving each the flexibility to run a business that makes a real difference.
Below, Zhovklaya and the Ramseys share their journeys with Project LeanNation.
Raisa Zhovklaya, PLN Syracuse, NY
Opened for business: February 2023
Project LeanNation stood out for its simple, results‑driven approach — great‑tasting, portion‑aware meals paired with accountability and community.
In Syracuse, N.Y., franchise owner Raisa Zhovklaya shows how a hands-on approach and commitment to helping others can fuel success. She shares how Project LeanNation gives her the tools to make a lasting impact.
What made you choose the Project LeanNation franchise?
I wanted a business that makes a real difference in people’s everyday health. Project LeanNation stood out for its simple, results‑driven approach — great‑tasting, portion‑aware meals paired with accountability and community. As a Registered Nurse, I appreciate the structure and focus on sustainable habits, not quick fixes. The systems are proven, the support is strong and the mission aligns with my values. I knew this was the right path not only for me, but for our community!
What do you like most about the business model?
It delivers consistency and impact. Our members get a clear plan, convenient meals, and ongoing accountability from our team of educators. Operationally, it’s streamlined and data‑minded, which lets us focus on service, quality and measurable progress for every guest. It’s not just about the meals; it’s the support we provide and the impact we can have on people’s lives!
What was your career before becoming a franchise owner?
I was a Stroke Program Outreach Coordinator (Registered Nurse). That role sharpened my skills in education, care coordination and outcomes tracking — all of which translate directly to running a high‑touch, community‑focused health and nutrition business. While I didn’t come with business or management experience, I have enjoyed learning along the way and appreciate the obstacles I have come across to get to where I am today.
What is your day‑to‑day like as an owner?
My day varies: When I’m at the store, I’m managing clients and the shake bar, conducting InBody consultations, ordering products and making sure the store is organized, stocked and running smoothly. Behind the scenes, I’m focused on collaborative ways to elevate the brand — partnering with local businesses, exploring marketing strategies and planning events. I also handle operations end‑to‑end: accounting, paying bills and working on our business objectives. I’m a sole woman‑owned operator, with strong family support always ready to help when needed.
How large is your team?
We’re a team of 7: one teammate in an elevated support role to me, and six trained educators who guide guests and keep accountability high.
How does your business impact the community and help people?
We remove the guesswork around nutrition and make healthy eating achievable for busy families and professionals. Ultimately, though, the community and the relationships that we’ve been able to build with all of our members have been the best part of all of this!
What do you love most about being a Project LeanNation owner?
The wins. Watching our members gain energy, confidence and momentum never gets old. I also love leading a mission‑driven team and showing what a family‑supported, woman‑owned, immigrant‑owned business can contribute to our community.
Chris & Alex Ramsey Project Lean Nation, Fort Mill, S.C.
Opened for business: October 2023
The combination of a high-demand product, growing market share and a streamlined supply chain is incredibly appealing.
As semi-passive owners living three hours from their store, Chris and Alex Ramsey prove that with the right systems and support, success in franchising doesn’t require being on-site every day. Also franchisees of a Pilates brand, the Ramseys are able to manage both businesses thanks to Project LeanNation’s streamlined, semi-passive model. Here, they share their Project LeanNation journey.
What made you choose the Project LeanNation franchise?
We had been members at another location for several years and saw firsthand the value of the brand. From a business perspective, we believe the prepared healthy foods market is growing rapidly. We chose Project LeanNation for its strong unit economics, excellent franchisor support, advanced technology, an integrated supply chain and effective cash flow management. It met our criteria for ROI and allowed us to operate semi-passively while being part of a growing brand.
What do you like most about the business model?
The combination of a high-demand product, growing market share and a streamlined supply chain is incredibly appealing. The model offers great cash flow management, strong technology, no on-site kitchen requirements, low overhead and a relatively low barrier to entry.
What was your career before becoming a franchise owner?
Chris worked as a management consultant in the homebuilding industry. Alex was in the finance industry.
What is your day-to-day like as an owner?
We live about three hours from our store, so our involvement is limited. The day-to-day is run by our general manager (GM), but we were very intentional from the beginning about building systems, processes and culture. We spend about one to two hours each week managing the business. Chris oversees finance and high-level strategy, while Alex works directly with our GM on weekly execution.
How large is your team?
We typically have between 7 and 10 employees at any given time.
Do you use the products yourself, and do you have a favorite meal?
Absolutely! We eat the meals almost daily for lunch. The menu rotates every 10 weeks, which keeps things fresh and exciting. My favorite meal changes often depending on the rotation.
How does your business impact the community and help people?
We believe our impact begins with our team. Every one of our employees has experienced personal growth while working with us, and that energy extends into the community. Fort Mill is an ideal market with families with busy lifestyles who value health and convenience. We’ve become part of our clients’ daily routines, and we don’t take that for granted.
What do you love most about being a Project LeanNation owner?
The opportunity to combine profit and purpose. We create a real, positive impact on our employees, our community and our customers. Owning a business requires grit and perseverance, but the journey is rewarding. We’re proud of what we’ve built and grateful to be part of the PLN system.
